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Next-Gen KTM 1290 Super Adventure Spied In Near Production Form


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New spy shots of KTM’s next-generation 1290 Super Adventure have emerged showing both the ‘R’ and ‘S’ model variants being tested. The latest photos reveal a prototype that looks nearly ready for production with details such as crash bars, luggage, skid plate and more. Shots also show the flagship model will be significantly updated with cutting-edge technology as well as a host of other visual and functional changes. 

The biggest electronics update for the Super Adventure is located between and below the headlights – a Bosch-made black box that’s the heart of a new adaptive cruise control, one of the high-tech features KTM demonstrated for journalists a couple of years ago. BMW and Ducati are also set to come out with this system but judging by the near-finished look of the Super Adventure prototype, KTM might win the race to become the first bike manufacturer to bring the technology to the public. 

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The adaptive cruise control system works by automatically regulating the motorcycle’s speed to maintain a specific distance to the vehicle in front of it. The unit can sense a vehicle as small as another motorcycle – and the radar adjusts the speed smoothly by applying throttle or brakes to maintain the gap. Motorrad Magazin reports this feature will be optional on the new 1290 Super Adventure, however.


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The Super Adventure will still come in two flavors: the S model, wearing 19-inch front and 17-inch rear cast wheels; and the off-road oriented R model with a 21/18 wire-spoked combination. Bodywork has undergone an update though, with a big hunk of new fairing covering almost all the otherwise familiar 1301cc LC8 V-twin engine. The angular lines give the new bodywork a more modern look and we can see some family resemblance with the 790 Adventure series. The reason for that is because this revamped 1290 also carries its fuel down low on each side of the bike. The new tank design should improve mass centralization and lower the center of gravity. It also appears there may be more fuel capacity than the 6.1 gallons available on the current 1290 Super Adventures. 

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Another thing that’s hard to miss: the larger twin headlights, which buck the trend of LED headlights becoming smaller and more integrated into a bike’s bodywork. Of course this is KTM’s premium adventure touring bike, so the increased size may be because they are incorporating more-powerful cornering lights. 

Spy photos also reveal a redesigned windshield for the S trim that offers a little more wind protection and looks to maintain adjustability. Conversely, the off-road oriented R variant features a shorter screen, which looks similar to the current model’s design. The windshield hand adjustment crank appears to be a new triangular design for improved hand torque as well.

The new photos also make it clear that KTM is using a split radiator design with the dual units incorporated into the fairing. That means more cooling capacity, critical for engines that have to run leaner to meet strict Euro 5 emissions standards. Emissions rules, noise suppression and possibly a small bump in horsepower are probably the reason for the redesigned exhaust system, which features a massive stainless steel silencer minus the black end cap, at least on this pre-production version.

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While much of the frame is hidden by the new bodywork, it’s clear that it is still a tubular steel trellis design that has been slightly modified, and it features a new, detachable, aluminum subframe with thicker tubing. The swingarm is a more beefy lattice unit that appears re-shaped for improved rigidity and most likely the suspension is still electronically-adjustable WP equipment at both ends.

We’d bet KTM will be making an announcement about the all-new KTM 1290 Super Adventure this Fall. Stay tuned for more details!

Photos by Motorrad Magazin

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